Chapter 128: An Olive Branch

Chapter 128: Chapter 128: An Olive Branch Victoria balanced the heavy tray of snacks in her hands as she approached Zayn’s study. Her lips curved into a practiced smile, one she had perfected over years of getting her way. Today, she would remind Zayn of what they once had. What they could still have. She paused outside the door, shifting the tray to one hand so she could smooth down her form-fitting dress. Ezra stood guard, his eyes narrowing at her approach. “I brought Alpha Zayn some refreshments,” Victoria said sweetly. “He must be hungry working all day.” “Victoria...” “Just let me speak to him, Ezra, please,” She pleaded with him in a whisper. Ezra sighed, expression remaining neutral. He knocked twice on the door before opening it slightly to enter. Victoria strained to hear their exchange, but Ezra returned before she could catch anything. He opened the door wider for her to enter. Victoria swept past him, her smile widening as she spotted Zayn hunched over his desk, papers spread before him. “I thought you might be hungry,” she said, placing the tray on the edge of his desk. “I had the kitchen prepare your favorites.” Zayn didn’t look up from his work. “Put it down and leave.” Victoria’s smile faltered. She lingered, moving closer to him. “You look tense, Alpha. Perhaps I can help you release some tension in your shoulders?” As she got closer, Victoria took notice of a scent. A scent that wasn’t his. It was the scent of another she-wolf. It was Lily’s scent. Her stomach twisted into knots as she tried to keep her forced smile. Before she could comment, Zayn looked up abruptly, eyes cold. “I said leave, Victoria. I’m busy.” The dismissal stung, like a slap to her face. She straightened her spine and nodded stiffly. “Of course, Alpha. Enjoy the food.” She turned and marched out, passing Ezra without acknowledgment. Her composed facade cracked as she stormed down the hallway, face contorting with rage. Servants scattered at her approach, pressing themselves against walls to avoid her path. They knew better than to cross Victoria. “What are you staring at?” she snapped at a young maid who hadn’t moved quickly enough. The girl dropped her eyes and mumbled an apology. Victoria turned the corner sharply, colliding with a messenger. The man stumbled backward, nearly dropping the papers in his hand. “Watch where you’re going, idiot!” Victoria hissed. “Apologies, Miss Victoria,” the man said, regaining his balance. “I...I was looking for you. This came for you.” He held out a small folded piece of paper. Victoria snatched it from his hand. “Who sent this?” “I don’t know, miss. I was just told to deliver it to you immediately.” “Useless,” She muttered under her breath, barely giving the messenger a second glance, “What are you still standing here for? Scram!” The messenger bowed slightly before hurrying away. Victoria unfolded the note, her eyes scanning the hastily scrawled message. There’s a surprise waiting for you. Seek out the visiting healer. Forest cottage, east path. —H. Victoria crumpled the note in her fist, a slow smile spreading across her face. Perhaps this day wouldn’t be a complete waste after all. The forest path was overgrown, brambles catching at Victoria’s dress as she made her way toward the small cottage. She cursed under her breath, wondering why the visiting healer insisted on living so deep in the forest. Usually, they would be housed near the infirmary on the main grounds. As she approached the clearing where the cottage stood, voices drifted toward her. Victoria froze. Not wanting to be caught, she quickly ducked behind a large oak tree. “...should help with conceiving,” came a woman’s voice. “Brew it twice a day, morning and night.” Victoria peered around the tree trunk, careful not to be seen. Her eyes narrowed as she saw Lily standing in the doorway of the cottage, accepting a small pouch from a young woman. Fury bubbled in Victoria’s chest. Previously, she had heard about Zayn’s outburst towards Lily. But clearly, things between them had changed. They were trying for a child. Victoria crouched lower, moving behind a dense bush for better cover as Lily stepped from the cottage. Martha, her loyal maid, waited nearby, taking the pouch from Lily’s hands and tucking it safely into her apron pocket. “Remember what I said about stress,” Alva called after them. “It works against you. Try to keep her calm and happy.” Martha nodded, and the pair made their way back toward the main pack grounds, taking a different path than the one Victoria had used. She remained hidden, wanting to ensure they were out of sight before she revealed herself. “It’s rude to eavesdrop, you know.” Victoria nearly screamed as Alva appeared beside her hiding spot, arms crossed over her chest. The young woman had her hair pulled back in a neat bun. Her sharp eyes assessed Victoria with clear suspicion. “I wasn’t...I was just—” Victoria stammered. “Hiding in the bushes spying on my patients?” Alva finished for her. “Who are you, and what do you want?” Victoria straightened, brushing leaves from her dress. “I’m Victoria. I received a message that you could help me.” She pulled the crumpled note from her pocket and handed it to Alva. Alva’s eyes narrowed as she read it. Without warning, she produced a small flame from her fingertips and set the paper alight, letting the ashes fall to the forest floor. “Rule number one,” she said coolly. “Burn all correspondence upon reading. I thought Hunter would have taught you that.” She turned and began walking back toward the cottage, not bothering to check if Victoria followed. After a moment’s hesitation, Victoria hurried after her. The cottage garden was filled with herbs in various stages of drying. Inside, bundles of plants hung from the ceiling, and the air was heavy with the scent of flowers and earth. “Who are you?” Victoria could not help but ask as she scanned the room, her arms crossed. Alva moved to a cabinet filled with vials and jars. “My name is Alva. You must be Victoria?” She nodded in reply. “Hunter mentioned you might be coming.” “How do you know Hunter?” Victoria asked with a raised brow. “I know many people. But that’s none of your business,” Alva glanced back at her while she continued searching the shelves. She found the small vial containing a dark colored liquid on the top shelf and brought it to Victoria, “This is what you came for.” Victoria accepted the vial cautiously. “What is it?” Alva shook her head, “So many questions. You don’t need to know what it is. Just know that it will help Zayn remember who’s important to him.” Victoria understood immediately. “When should I give it to him?” She asked. “You don’t,” Alva said sharply. “Wait for my signal.” “Wait for your signal?” Victoria frowned. She studied the dark liquid before turning back to Alva, “I don’t like being kept in the dark.” “No one does,” Alva responded as she shrugged her shoulders, “You’re just going to have to trust us.” Victoria swiftly took out a knife and pointed it at Alva. A smirk formed on her face, only to quickly disappear when she felt something sharp pointed on her abdomen. A sharp silver dagger glistened back at her. “Listen very carefully, I won’t repeat myself. Wait for my signal. Before then, don’t do anything stupid.” “How can I trust you?” Victoria protested. “You’re just going to have to,” Alva reminded her, “Unless you would prefer for me to inform Alpha Zayn about your visit today?” Victoria’s face paled. “You wouldn’t dare.” “Try me,” Alva said, her voice deadly calm. The two women stared at each other, tension crackling between them. Finally, Victoria withdrew her dagger, and so did Alva. “Fine,” she muttered, tucking the vial into her secret pocket. “I’ll wait for your signal.” She turned on her heel and stormed out of the cottage, her mind racing with possibilities. Whatever was in that vial, it had to be powerful if Alva was being so secretive. As Victoria disappeared down the forest path, Alva moved to a small cage housing several pigeons. She selected one, attaching a tiny written scroll to its leg before releasing it out the window.